Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard intercepts a pass intended for Michigan's Jeremy Gallon in the fourth quarter in East Lansing on Nov. 2, 2013.

Written by

Chris Solari
Gannett Michigan

Michigan State makes no secret that it puts its cornerbacks on an island to defend opposing receivers. Attack the "No Fly Zone" at your own risk.

However, that tight coverage sometimes backfires, resulting in pass interference and defensive holding penalties. It's the accepted nature of the position and the Spartans' scheme.

That aggressive approach resulted in 12 flags through their first seven games from MSU's defensive backs. In the last two games, however, the corners and safeties haven't had either a pass interference or holding call against them. ...